Janice ColemanNovember 7, 2012Article Summary
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A New Way Susan Nunans article, Forgiving Ourselves and Forging
Ahead: Teaching Grammar in a New Millennium, gives several valid
points for teaching students Tools for grammar rather than not
teaching grammar in the classroom.Ms. Nunan realized she had to
change her views on grammar in order for her students to learn and
apply what she was teaching.
Historical IssuesPrescriptive Grammarians were men of the 18th
century who determined correct spoken and written English language.
The way a person used the English language was used to measure
their character. Slang or improper use of English would reflect a
lower morality in their estimation As much as we like to think we
have moved past this research done by Maxine Hairston in 1981 shows
these rules are still in force today.It is equated along the lines
of To Burp or not to Burp in public rules.
AssociationThe most important reason for teaching grammar,
according to Ms. Nunan, is to give students the tools to think
outside of their normal scope and to add greater depth to
independently written thoughts or ideas they express.In the
development of grammar and writing we are developing speech and
provoking out of the box thinking.Associating grammar with day to
day activities of students gives them a new perspective on an old
concept.
ConclusionGrammar rules are Grammar ToolsEffective grammar tools
help students develop a brighter futureMake a decision to empower
students to use the tools of grammar effectively, correctly, and
creatively.
